IMOCA skippers face the challenge of the Far North

What changes between Les Sables d’Olonne and the Arctic Circle:

•  Air temperature: around 30°C in Les Sables d’Olonne → around 5°C at the Arctic Circle
• Water temperature: 16°C off the Vendée coast → less than 5°C at the Arctic Circle
• Daylight: continuous daylight 24 hours a day beyond the Arctic Circle
• Estimated duration: around ten days — a solo sailing record for every skipper on their current IMOCA

THE (DIFFICULT) MEMORIES OF THE SECOND EDITION

Four years ago, they headed even further north, towards Iceland, during the  second edition of the Vendée Arctique . Everyone who took part remembers an intense battle: a particularly violent low-pressure system swept across the course, forcing race management to shorten the race and allowing three non-foilers to break into the top 10*.

“These were truly hellish conditions, really difficult to endure.”
— Arnaud Boissières (April Marine – recherche co-partenaire)

Cette année, la Vendée Arctique 2026 propose un défi encore plus ambitieux : après avoir dépassé l'Irlande, les skippers devront choisir par quel côté contourner l'Islande, atteindre le cercle polaire à la latitude de leur choix, puis entamer le retour vers Les Sables-d'Olonne — là encore avec un parcours entièrement libre.

This year,  Vendée Arctique 2026  presents an even more ambitious challenge:after passing Ireland, skippers will have to decide on which side to round Iceland, reach the Arctic Circle at the latitude of their choice, then begin the return leg to  Les Sables d’Olonne — once again on a completely open course.

WHAT THE COLD WILL CHANGE ON BOARD 

While it is still too early to know the exact weather conditions, one certainty already stands out: temperatures will drop drastically. Skippers will progressively swap shorts and T-shirts for foul-weather gear, thermal layers, gloves and beanies.

“We’re preparing by bringing very warm clothing with us to cope with the conditions.”
— Nico d'Estais (Café Joyeux)

During the Vendée Globe  , sailors who had installed small electric heaters onboard were particularly grateful for them in the Southern Ocean: the equipment could once again prove useful during this Vendée Arctique.Moreover, cold air is denser than warm air, meaning there will be “more pressure in the sails” — a performance factor, but also a source of increased loads on both the boats and the sailors.

 A HUGE PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CHALLENGE

Numerous low-pressure systems are expected to move across the fleet’s route. Christian Dumard, meteorologist for Vendée Arctique 2026, explains clearly:

 “There will be many changes in wind conditions, many transitions and therefore many manoeuvres. We know for certain they will have a lot of transitions to manage — it won’t be like the Vendée Globe where you can experience two to four days of stable conditions.”

              — Christian Dumard, meteorologist for Vendée Arctique 2026 

A gybe takes nearly 45 minutes when sailing solo: skippers will have to repeat them throughout the race. Thinking about this relentless effort , Elodie Bonafous (Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner) described 

“There is a real challenge in managing pace and maintaining the ability to cope in difficult conditions. It’s all about endurance.”

                                                — Elodie Bonafous

“We know it will be a huge physical and psychological challenge.”
— Corentin Horeau (MACSF)

DISCOVERING THE JOYS (AND DIFFICULTIES) OF SOLO SAILING

For the entire fleet,  this Vendée Arctique  also represents a major solo sailing test. The race is expected to last around ten days and will mark a first: none of the nine skippers has ever spent so much time solo onboard their current IMOCA during a race. All of them will need to rediscover their solo routines after a season raced double-handed and an initial solo warm-up during the 1000 Race in April.

 Within the fleet, four skippers have already competed in the  Vendée Globe :  Arnaud Boissières, Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance), Manuel Cousin (Coup de Pouce) and  Violette Dorange (Initiatives-Cœur). All are eager to reconnect with solo sailing.

 “It’s a huge challenge but I can’t wait to be alone onboard again, fully focused on my manoeuvres and my trajectory.”

                            — Violette Dorange (Initiatives-Cœur)

THE MIDNIGHT SUN, AN UNEXPECTED ALLY FOR THE SKIPPERS

As they progress northwards, sailors will benefit from an unexpected ally: the sun. The closer they get to the Arctic Circle, the longer the days will become. Once beyond the Arctic Circle, nights disappear completely: daylight remains 24 hours a day. Of course, skippers will need to adapt, maintain their sense of time and carefully manage sleep to preserve lucidity. But these unique conditions will also make weather systems easier to observe and help sailors resist fatigue.

“I can’t wait to discover the long days and the nights shortening until they disappear. Crossing the Arctic Circle and sailing at midnight while seeing the sun is incredible!”

                          — Sam Goodchild (MACIF Santé Prévoyance)

Enough to create unforgettable memories throughout a race as unprecedented as it is exciting.